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Peoria

Peoria travel guide

City in Illinois, United States

Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportPIA · 6 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population113,150

About Peoria

Peoria is a city in Peoria County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. Located on the Illinois River, the city had a population of 113,150 as of the 2020 census, making it the eighth-most populous city in Illinois. It is the principal city of the Peoria metropolitan area in Central Illinois, consisting of Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford counties and had a combined population of 402,391 in 2020.

Places to visit in Peoria

  1. Peoria Riverfront Museum

    Peoria Riverfront Museum

    Museum

    A multidisciplinary museum on the Illinois River combining art, science and regional history, with a planetarium and a giant screen theater. It makes a good rainy-day stop for families exploring downtown.

  2. Caterpillar Visitors Center

    Museum

    Next to the riverfront museum, this hands-on center lets visitors climb into the cab of huge mining trucks and learn about the company's long history in Peoria.

  3. Grandview Drive

    Viewpoint

    A winding scenic road along the bluffs above the Illinois River in Peoria Heights, lined with grand homes and overlooks offering sweeping valley views. It is best on a fall afternoon.

  4. Wildlife Prairie Park

    Wildlife Prairie Park

    Zoo · 8 mi from centre

    A large park west of the city with native Illinois animals such as bison, elk, wolves and black bears in open natural habitats, plus hiking trails and a small train.

  5. Peoria Zoo

    Peoria Zoo

    Zoo · 2 mi from centre

    A compact zoo in Glen Oak Park with an Africa exhibit featuring giraffes, lions and rhinos, manageable in a couple of hours with children. Glen Oak Park also has trails.

  6. Luthy Botanical Garden

    Park

    A small garden in Bradley Park with a conservatory, rose and herb gardens and seasonal flower shows, offering a quiet stop in the city. Admission is generally free.

Where to stay in Peoria

Popular hotels in Peoria, out of 57 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Peoria

Best time to visit Peoria

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Peoria is September, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 18° – 31° 9
Feb 25° – 44° 4
Mar 36° – 57° 12
Apr 45° – 64° 10
May 55° – 75° 12
Jun 66° – 84° 12
Jul 68° – 85° 12
Aug 65° – 82° 8
Sep 60° – 80° 6
Oct 50° – 69° 7
Nov 38° – 52° 9
Dec 24° – 38° 8

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Peoria weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 72° 45° 2%
  • Thu 22 Oct 74° 54° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 76° 55° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 77° 56° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 78° 59° 1%
  • Mon 26 Oct 70° 46° 6%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Peoria

These are the airports closest to central Peoria. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • PIA Peoria International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Peoria

Getting around Peoria

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By car

Taxi service is available throughout the city; however, it is recommended you call for a taxi, as it is rare to find a taxi to hail outside the downtown or during odd hours. You can locate taxi companies online, in the phone book, or through your hotel's front desk.

Peoria travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Peoria?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Peoria is September, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Peoria?

July is usually the warmest month in Peoria, with average highs of 85°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 18°F (-8°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 125 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Peoria?

Peoria International Airport (PIA) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Peoria.

What time zone is Peoria in?

Peoria uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Peoria?

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What are the best places to visit in Peoria?

Top sights in Peoria include Peoria Riverfront Museum, Caterpillar Visitors Center, Grandview Drive and Wildlife Prairie Park. A multidisciplinary museum on the Illinois River combining art, science and regional history, with a planetarium and a giant screen theater. It makes a good rainy-day stop for families exploring downtown.

Where should I stay in Peoria?

Popular areas for hotels in Peoria include Peoria Area. Well-reviewed options include OYO Hotel Morton/East Peoria I-74 and OYO Hotel Downtown Peoria I-74.

How many hotels can I book in Peoria?

Destina Holidays currently lists 57 properties in and around Peoria, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.